Confused about all of the Temu ads that played during this year’s Super Bowl? You’re not alone.
Searches for e-commerce company Temu ‒ including the phrase “what is Temu” ‒ spiked after the company aired five commercials during and shortly after the game, each showing colorful animated characters purchasing goods for as little as 99 cents. A perky song played in the background as characters danced across the screen, promising viewers the chance to “shop like a billionaire.”
“The commercial marks the highlight of a Super Bowl campaign that featured more than $15 million in coupons and giveaways,” Temu said in a statement cited by CNN.
A quick search on the platform’s website reveals jaw-dropping deals: $8 sneakers; $18 Airpod look-alikes; a $4 Stanley Cup dupe.
But are the site’s low prices worth it? Here’s what to know about Temu.
What is Temu?
Temu is an online discount marketplace that offers everything from T-shirts to garden hoses. The one thing all its products have in common? Low prices. The company says items are shipped directly from suppliers and manufacturers, which helps cut costs.
Temu launched in the U.S. in September 2022 and had more than 50 million monthly U.S. active users as of January, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. That’s up nearly 300% year-over-year.
The company works similarly to other e-commerce companies like Amazon, but shoppers can expect longer shipping times because goods are often shipped from China and other…
